The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) is now accepting applications for renewable energy development assistance. Through funds provided by the US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), NCCETC will provide renewable energy assessments and related technical assistance to eligible facilities over the next two years.
Technologies eligible for the REDA project include biomass, geothermal for electric generation or direct use, small and large solar generation including solar-plus-storage, small and large wind generation, and hydrogen.
Renewable energy provides opportunities for cost savings, reliability, resilience and operational sustainability.
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Why renewable energy:
- Helps reduce energy costs
- Increases energy reliability and resilience
- Promotes energy independence and sustainable farming operations
- Renewable energy reduces reliance on the utility electric grid and reduces environmental impacts
Who’s eligible:
- Agricultural producers that generate 50% or more of gross income from agriculture
- Rural small businesses, typically (but not exclusively) with less than 500 employees that reside in an area with <50,000 population
The fine print:
- USDA REAP grants cover 25% of eligible project costs up to $1,000,000
- Projects that meet the following criteria can be eligible for a grant share of up to 50%:
- Renewable energy systems, including retrofits, that produce zero greenhouse gas emissions
- Project located in an Energy Community (contact NCCETC for more information)
- Projects proposed by eligible Tribal entities
- Many facilities will be qualified to receive the renewable energy assessment at no cost
- NCCETC will provide proposal with the funded and facility-share of assessment cost prior to commencing work at site
- Additional information on USDA REAP can be found here